Youth Conservation Corps to Undertake Environmentally Friendly Projects

Nova Scotia youth are being offered the opportunity to work on environmentally friendly projects this summer.

The Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps, part of the Department of Environment and Labour, will hire more than 40 young people to work on 18 projects throughout Nova Scotia. The jobs will run from June 26 to Aug. 25 and are being offered to Nova Scotians between 17 and 24 years of age.

Environmentally friendly project proposals were accepted from community groups, businesses, government agencies, environmental organizations and other groups.

Submissions were required to be in a variety of key areas, including pollution prevention, waste resource management and climate change.

Projects span the province and include a backyard composting audit, a sustainable transportation project, and an outreach and awareness project for waste management.

"The partnership between the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps and various communities in Nova Scotia benefits the environment and teaches youth the importance of good environmental practices," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister of Environment and Labour. "It also provides Nova Scotia youth with valuable work experience and employment."

The project is taking place for the 17th consecutive summer. Youth will earn $8.50 an hour. They will be trained in first aid, occupational health and safety, Workplace Materials Information System (WHMIS) and basic environmental issues.

Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps will pay 75 per cent of the labour costs, and will provide $50 for participants' project expenses and $50 for mileage.

The remaining 25 per cent of the labour costs will be paid by the participating organizations. They will also be responsible for day-to-day supervision and training of the employees.

The Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps application deadline is Wednesday, May 31. Interviews will take place June 5-16.

For more information on Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps see the website at <a href="http://www.gov.ns.ca/enla/youth">www.gov.ns.ca/enla/youth <a/>or call 902-424-6812 or 902-424-4376.